Oak Creek Man Climbs the Fastest

On Saturday, March 22, the American Lung Association in Wisconsin hosted the #1 ranked Fight for Air Climb in the nation. Over 2,700 participants raised $625,000, again beating out Lung Association climbs in more populous cities around the country. Climbers scaled the U.S. Bank Center in downtown Milwaukee, climbing 47 floors, 1,034 steps.

“We are so proud of our climbers, volunteers and staff,” said Linda Witucki, Executive Director of the American Lung Association in Wisconsin. “We surpassed last year’s record-breaking total by almost $70,000 and are thrilled that those proceeds can be put to work immediately in the fight against lung disease, funding research, education and advocacy.”

This year, more than 250 emergency responders (firefighters, police, SWAT teams) raced to the top wearing full gear – jackets, helmets, air packs and boots. Corporate teams, family teams and individuals climbed for friends and loved ones with lung disease. And new to this year’s event, children were allowed to take part in the climb, making it a unique opportunity for the whole family.

“We had families climbing together, ‘ultimate’ participants who climbed multiple times and climbers with asthma and COPD. We heard some incredible stories of hope and courage, as many were climbing in honor or in memory of someone who has been impacted by lung disease.” said Witucki.

The American Lung Association thanks all of its sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield; Venue Sponsor, U.S. Bank Center; Media Sponsor, Today’s TMJ4; Godfrey and Kahn, S.C. and Froedtert/Medical College of Wisconsin.

Proceeds benefit the American Lung Association in Wisconsin, fighting lung disease through research, education and advocacy. The Lung Association funds lung cancer research with some of the country’s top researchers, provides services and education for those who suffer from lung disease, advocates for healthy air and provides smoking cessation services.

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